Captain Moroni and the War in Iraq
The book of Alma is full of many accounts of wars between the Nephites and the Lamanites. Captain Moroni, leader of the Nephite armies during that period reminds us of the difference between the Nephites and Lamanites. I believe that difference reflects the situation we find ourselves in today in Iraq and Afghanistan and, indeed, throughout the world in the war on terrorism.
At the beginning of Alma 44, a Lamanite army that sought to conquer the Nephites has been surrounded by the Nephite army. God has strengthened the Nephites and delivered the Lamanites into their hands. In verse 2, Moroni declares the following to Zerahemnah, the Lamanite commander:
"Behold, we have not come out to battle against you that we might shed your blood for power; neither do we desire to bring any one to the yoke of bondage. But this is the very cause for which ye have come against us; yea, and ye are angry with us because of our religion."
The U.S.-led coalition finds itself in the same situation today. We have no desire to conquer and control Iraq and Afghanistan. Rather, like Moroni, we are trying to defend free people from those who wish to bring the world into "the yoke of bondage."
Marcus Luttrell, a heroic Navy SEAL who fought in Afghanistan, confirmed this when he stated:
"Just like always, warlords were trying to drive out the usurpers. Us. And we weren't even usurping, just trying to stop another bloody tribal upheaval and another regime change from the elected to the dictators." (Lone Survivor, page 73)
Of course, we should always seek for peace. Jesus Christ taught, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9). However, we are also taught to defend freedom "even unto bloodshed" if necessary:
"And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion." (Alma 43:47)
Pray for peace, but be willing to fight when necessary to defend God-given freedom.
posted by David @ 11/10/2007 01:22:00 PM
7 comments
7 Comments:
So if you feel so strongly that this is worth fighting for, when are you going to enlist?
Seriously. It's one thing to say that something is worth fighting for and another to actually do it.
Naismith, thanks for your comment. Because freedom is worth fighting for, I did join the military. At the age of 34, I left a career in business to join the Air Force as an officer.
The bigger point, however, is that we need to stand up against tyranny around the world and defend freedom. After all, the war in Heaven revolved around the issue of agency. God granted us all agency that we might choose the path we would follow. The Plan of Salvation hangs on this principle, and Satan is still trying to take away our agency.
And keep in mind that one does not have to join the military to support the side of right. We can do many things to help fight this fight such as sharing the gospel with others, voting for candidates who will help to protect freedom of religion, writing to our troops, etc.
we need to stand up against tyranny around the world?
Would a strict reading of Captain Moroni support that?
One of the things I have often wondered about with Iraq is whether or not the common citizens of Iraq want us there. Do they really want democracy. Sure, I believe they would be better off with democracy, but do they want it? Do they want us there?
I don;t know the answer to this.
The only problem here is the many people do not believe we invaded Iraq to free the people, but i don't want to threadjack this post so I'll leave it alone.
I would really appreciate if we as nation would do something about Sudan and North Korea.
Eric, that's a fair question, and actually, it's the ultimate question since I believe our presence there is about freedom. They should be free to choose their destiny whether it's a democracy or something else. After all, the Lord allowed 1/3 of his children to follow a different path than agency, and we've read in the Book of Mormon that many people voted to have a king (but lost). I suppose my response to your question is that the Iraqis should decide. If they want something other than democracy, let them decide. Under Saddam, they didn't have that choice.
So maybe no one looks at this, comments are old, but I find them interesting. I think the whole Iraq situation very complex and am currently glad I'm not the one making those big decisions that I would have to account for later. I know that the Lord can accomplish much through war, as ugly and undesirable as it is, after all how was America won?
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